Lewiston author Griffin will discuss Hudson biography Jan. 31

LEWISTON — The Lewiston Public Library will welcome back local author Mark Griffin for an evening celebrating his ground-breaking new book, “All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson,” which was recently published by HarperCollins.

The free public program will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, in the library’s Callahan Hall.

Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members, and former companions and unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, the biography produces a multidimensional portrait of one of the most compelling figures in film history. It includes fresh insights into Hudson’s controversial marriage to Phyllis Gates and his contentious dealings with boyfriend Marc Christian, providing answers to questions the late actor consistently evaded.
Griffin also offers the first in-depth analysis of Hudson’s entire body of work from his early bit parts to his collaborations with visionary director Douglas Sirk to his cheekily subversive bedroom farces with Doris Day to his transition to the small screen in the hit series McMillan & Wife. Along the way, this riveting account features memorable appearances from an A-list cast of characters, including Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, John Wayne, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and many other luminaries.
“All That Heaven Allows” illuminates an all-too-human superstar whose life and legacy have significantly influenced American culture, according to the news release from the library.
The night will begin with a book talk about the work followed by a question and answer session. Griffin will then screen a 35-minute documentary that he produced, which pays tribute to Hudson’s career. The film features audio highlights from interviews that Griffin conducted for “All That Heaven Allows.” Griffin will also sell and sign copies of his book. All proceeds will go to benefit the Friends of the Lewiston Public Library.
Griffin is also the author of “A Hundred or More Hidden Things: The Life and Films of Vincente Minnelli.” His interviews, reviews, and essays have appeared in scores of publications, including The Boston Globe, Premiere and MovieMaker. Griffin, who recently appeared in the documentary “Gene Kelly: To Live and Dance,” lives in Lewiston.
For more information, call 207-513-3135 or email LPLReference@Gmail.com.